By KUNLE SOLAJA.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face their sternest test yet at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when they take on Zambia in Friday’s quarter-final — and the biggest threat is clear: the explosive duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji.

Call them the “Terrible Twins,”  if you like, the Zambian pair have emerged as the most feared attacking force in the tournament, scoring all six of the Copper Queens’ goals in the group stage.

Their chemistry, precision, and ruthless finishing present a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s hopes of extending their proud record of reaching the semi-finals in every WAFCON they’ve participated in.

Barbra Banda is already a player of historical significance. Her goal against Costa Rica at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was the 1,000th scored in the history of the competition.

At this WAFCON, she wasted no time announcing her presence, scoring just 58 seconds into Zambia’s opening game against Morocco — the fastest goal of the tournament and the earliest ever in a WAFCON opener.

Kundananji has been just as lethal, if not more consistent. She has found the net in every group-stage match, making her the only player in the tournament to do so.

 Her speed, movement, and ability to pounce on half-chances have made her a nightmare for defenders — and a major headache for Nigeria’s tactical setup.

Although Nigeria boasts the tournament’s most disciplined defence — going through the group stage without conceding a goal — the looming battle against Banda and Kundananji will be a different proposition entirely.

For all their solidity, the Super Falcons have yet to face an attacking pair this dynamic, this efficient, and this confident.

Head coach Justin Madugu will need to craft a masterful defensive plan, not only to contain the duo but to cut off their supply lines. Zambia’s direct, high-tempo style thrives on early breakthroughs — all their goals have come from quick transitions and sharp finishes, often inside the first 15 minutes.

This clash in Casablanca, though officially listed as Quarter-Final 2, feels like the tournament’s first true final. Both teams are unbeaten. Both are title contenders. But for Nigeria, success may rest on their ability to silence the ‘Terrible Twins.’

The Super Falcons are chasing a 13th WAFCON semi-final appearance. But first, they must pass the toughest exam of the tournament — and it comes in the form of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji.

Nigeria’s coach, Justine Madugu, will have to devise a means of cutting ball supplies to these ‘Terrible Twins’ if the Super Falcons are to progress to the semi-finals.

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By KUNLE SOLAJA.

Zambia’s Copper Queens have stormed into the knockout stage of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the second successive time, continuing a remarkable rise on the continental stage.

The Southern African side, semi-finalists in 2022, have maintained an unbeaten run in the group phase stretching back to the last tournament, recording five wins and two draws across seven matches.

In this year’s edition, they topped their group with commanding performances, scoring in every game and registering their first clean sheet in the 3–0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Spearheading the Zambian charge is Racheal Kundananji, who has etched her name into the history books as the first Zambian to score in three consecutive WAFCON matches.

With six goals now across two tournaments, she stands among the competition’s most prolific scorers.

 Her sharp eye for goal has been matched by her clinical timing—Zambia have scored inside the opening 15 minutes in all three of their matches, each time converting their very first shot on target.

Alongside Kundananji, team captain Barbra Banda has been instrumental, creating seven chances—the highest by any Zambian player at the tournament—while directly contributing to three of the team’s six goals (two goals and one assist).

 Together, Banda and Kundananji have been involved in every Zambian goal thus far.

Zambia’s only direct knockout win in WAFCON history came in the 2022 quarter-finals, where they edged past Senegal on penalties after a 1–1 draw.

They narrowly missed a place in the final that year, falling 1–0 to South Africa in the semi-final via a heartbreaking stoppage-time penalty.

While they remain without a knockout victory in regulation time, the Copper Queens are brimming with confidence. A win in their upcoming quarter-final clash would see them reach back-to-back semi-finals—another milestone in their inspiring football journey.

With history, form, and firepower on their side, Zambia are no longer just contenders—they are genuine threats for the WAFCON title. 

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As anticipation builds for the mouthwatering quarterfinal showdown between Nigeria and Zambia at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Zambian publication, Bola News has labelled the Friday encounter as “a final before the final.” With two of the continent’s top teams clashing earlier than many would have liked, Friday’s encounter promises fireworks, but heartbreak is guaranteed for one side.

Nigeria and Zambia represented Africa at the Women’s football event of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Both were also at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.

For Nigeria, the nine-time WAFCON champions, a blend of experienced stalwarts and rising stars has emerged from the group stage with renewed belief.

 Unbeaten and yet to concede a goal, the Super Falcons have swept aside Algeria, Botswana, and Tunisia, but now face their sternest test in the Copper Queens of Zambia.

As the West African giants prepare for the quarterfinal battle in Morocco, a number of players have stood out, and according to Zambia’s Bola News, these players should command special attention as they will be pivotal in Friday’s match.

Rinsola Babajide – A Constant Menace on the Flanks

The Spain-based winger has been electric for Nigeria, especially in the latter stages of the group phase.

Her standout performance came in the 3–0 victory over Tunisia, where she not only found the net but tormented defenders with her pace, dribbling, and positional awareness.
Averaging a match rating of 7.7 across her three appearances, Babajide’s ability to stretch defences and create scoring opportunities makes her a major concern for Zambia’s backline.

Ashleigh Plumptre – Fortress on the Left

The England-born left-back has been a crucial part of Nigeria’s defensive resilience. Featuring prominently in the wins against Botswana and Tunisia, where Nigeria kept clean sheets,

Plumptre brings structure, experience, and leadership to the Falcons’ rearguard.
With an average rating of 7.6 in her two appearances, she not only solidifies the defence but also supports the attack by offering width and overlapping runs.

Her return to the lineup against Zambia after being rested against Algeria is expected to bolster Nigeria’s backline.

Rasheedat Ajibade – Midfield Dynamo

Whether deployed in midfield or a more attacking role, Ajibade has been a livewire for the Super Falcons.

Rasheedat Ajibade

The Atlético Madrid star has been ever-present in all three group games, consistently pressing high, drawing fouls, and creating space.
Never dipping below a 6.5 match rating, her tactical intelligence and versatility will be key against a well-organised Zambian team.

Halimatu Ayinde – The Engine Room

At 30, Ayinde continues to perform with remarkable composure and intelligence. While she might not dominate the headlines, her importance in the Nigerian midfield cannot be overstated.

Zambians’ attention will be on Halimat Ayinde

Rested for the final group match, Ayinde was instrumental in the wins over Botswana and Tunisia — dictating tempo, breaking up opposition play, and shielding the defence with disciplined positioning. Zambia must find a way to disrupt her rhythm if they hope to gain a foothold in midfield.

Asisat Oshoala – The Silent Assassin

Despite limited minutes so far, Nigeria’s marquee forward remains a looming threat. Oshoala has played just 90 minutes over two games, with her most influential display coming against Tunisia.

Asisat Oshoala will be closely marked.

Now with Bay FC in the U.S., the five-time CAF Player of the Year can turn games with a single moment of brilliance. Even when she’s quiet, Oshoala demands vigilance — one mistake, and she’ll pounce. 

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